Seventh Excel Award held in East London

British Bangladeshi NGO Da’watul Islam UK & Eire held its annual Excel Award on October 31 at the Care House in East London.

Da’watul Islam pioneered the Excel Award in 2006 to honour individuals for their outstanding achievements in exams at all levels. This includes SATs, GCSEs, A Levels, Degrees, PGCEs and PhDs (and their equivalents).

Chair of the Excel Award, Shabbir Ahmed Kawsar, explained to The Muslim News the importance of the awards, “Whilst our awards are open for all people from every community, we have a long track record of work within the British Bangladeshi Communities across the country. Those familiar with our community will know that despite overcrowding, deprivation and lack of opportunities, our young people and grown ups work extremely hard to make good of opportunities that comes their ways. It is therefore imperative that we find ways to recognise the hard work and celebrate the success to inspire future generations.”

“Community activists and organisations are extremely important too and it is for this reason we also honour those who made exceptional contribution to our community.” Kawsar added.

Guest of honour, Mayor Lutfor Rahman, said he was “humbled by the success stories” and commended the organisers for their hard work.

Shakir Mabrur who received an Excel Gold Award for attaining Upper Second Class LLB Honours degree in Law from University College London, said “I am very pleased to receive an Excel Award, and would like to thank the organisers for their hard work in organising an inspiring and enjoyable ceremony.”

This year 70 unique individuals have been awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for academic success, professional achievements and distinguished services to the community.

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence event is to acknowledge British Muslim and non-Muslim contributions to society. Over 850 people from diverse background, Muslim and non-Muslim, attended the gala dinner.